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Unidentified Skin Bumps on My Face

8/1/2025, 2:20:23 AMMale25-34

I’m a 21-year-old female, and I’ve recently discovered some unusual spots appearing on my chin, which I initially dismissed. However, just two days ago, I woke up to find similar spots covering my temples as well. Typically, I don't experience acne aside from an occasional blemish, so this sudden outbreak is quite troubling for me. Sometimes, the spots can be slightly itchy, though I wonder if I’m just imagining that sensation more than actually feeling it. I don’t take any medication and there are no known health conditions affecting me. I work out now and then, and my alcohol consumption is minimal—usually no more than one cider each week. I do vape, but I’ve significantly cut back—I only indulge during work breaks or while in my car. My job at a pub keeps me on my feet a lot, and I handle dirty dishes frequently. I’m curious if this exposure could be a contributing factor to what I’m experiencing? I’m uncertain about the nature of these spots or how to remedy the situation. Thus far, I’ve been keeping the area clean and applying antibiotic cream twice daily. Any insights regarding the potential cause, the nature of this condition, or effective treatments would be immensely helpful. Thank you for your assistance!

MolesRashAcne

Answers (1)

Cony

8/1/2025, 2:20:42 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're experiencing sudden skin bumps on your face that are causing concern, especially given your typical skin health and the recent changes. These bumps could be related to various causes, including irritations, allergic reactions, or even an early sign of a skin condition. Let’s explore this further.

Explanation:

The appearance of new spots on your skin, particularly in areas like the chin and temples, can arise from several factors:

  1. Irritation or Allergic Reaction: Frequent exposure to dirty dishes and other irritants at your job could potentially lead to contact dermatitis, a condition where the skin reacts to irritants or allergens. The slight itchiness you're feeling might be a sign of irritation.

  2. Acne or Folliculitis: It’s also possible that these new bumps are a form of acne or folliculitis, especially if they are around hair follicles.

  3. Hormonal Changes: At your age, hormonal fluctuations can also trigger changes in the skin, although you've mentioned that you're typically not acne-prone.

Applying antibiotic cream can help if there is a risk of infection, but it may not be necessary unless there's clear evidence of bacterial involvement.

Next Steps:

  1. Continue Good Hygiene: Keep the affected area clean with a gentle cleanser, especially since you work in an environment with potential irritants.

  2. Avoid Irritants: Reduce contact with cleaning products, dirty dishes, and other potential skin irritants. If possible, wear gloves while handling dishes to protect your skin.

  3. Moisturize Carefully: Use a non-comedogenic, fragrance-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated without clogging pores.

  4. Discontinue Antibiotic Cream: If there’s no improvement or if you notice increased irritation, consider stopping the antibiotic cream after a short period. Overuse can sometimes lead to further irritation.

  5. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the spots and any changes in their appearance. If they worsen, spread, or develop additional symptoms (like significant itching, pain, or pus), it may warrant further investigation.

  6. Consider Changes in Vaping: Although you’ve cut back, consider if vaping could be contributing to skin sensitivities, as some individuals may react to substances within e-cigarettes.

When to Seek Help:

If the bumps persist beyond a couple of weeks, worsen, or don't show any sign of improvement with self-care measures, it would be beneficial to consult a dermatologist for a professional evaluation. They can provide targeted treatment based on an accurate diagnosis.

Remember, you're not alone in this, and it's great that you're reaching out for help. Keep monitoring your skin, and take care of it with the steps outlined above. Let me know if you have any more questions or need further information!

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